Latest news with #AFP
New York Post
29 minutes ago
- General
- New York Post
Archaeologist solves ‘jigsaw puzzle' of Ancient Roman fragments hidden for nearly two millennia
Researchers in London recently announced that a giant 'archaeological puzzle' has been solved, revealing artwork that's been hidden for 1,800 years. The Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) announced in a June 17 press release that one of its experts successfully reconstructed a collection of Roman wall plaster. Advertisement The collection of painted ancient plaster is the largest ever discovered in London – and it took an enormous amount of work. 'The decorated plaster was found dumped in a large pit, shattered into thousands of fragments,' the museum's statement noted. 'It took three months for MOLA Senior Building Material Specialist Han Li to lay out all the fragments and painstakingly piece the designs back together.' The mosaic once decorated a high-status Roman building in the Central London district of Southwark, officials said. Advertisement 5 MOLA senior building material specialist Han Li laying out Roman plaster fragments from The Liberty development site in Southwark, south London on June 19, 2025. Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)/AFP via Getty Images The building 'was demolished some time before AD 200,' MOLA's statement read. 'These beautiful frescoes once decorated around 20 internal walls of an early Roman (AD 43-150) building,' the museum noted. 'These vibrant artworks can be reconstructed to reveal their full glory.' Advertisement 'Now, for the first time in over 1800 years, these vibrant artworks can be reconstructed to reveal their full glory.' Officials said the fresco was designed to show off the property owner's wealth, as well as its good taste. 5 The plaster was first discovered on a construction site in 2021. Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA)/AFP via Getty Images They noted the fresco includes 'yellow panel designs with black intervals beautifully decorated with images of birds, fruit, flowers and lyres.' Advertisement 'Finding repeating yellow panels like these is [rare] … While panel designs were common during the Roman period, yellow panels weren't,' the museum said. 'They have been identified at only a few sites across the country.' 'Tragically, the fragment is broken where the painter's name would have appeared.' Historians also excitedly came across the remains of the artist's signature — though that identity is still lost to time. 5 The artwork which was revealed has been hidden for 1,800 years. The Museum of London Archaeology '[The signature] is framed by a tabula ansata, a carving of a decorative tablet used to sign artwork in the Roman world,' the statement detailed. 'It contains the Latin word 'FECIT,' which translates to 'has made this.'' 'Tragically, the fragment is broken where the painter's name would have appeared, meaning the [person's] identity will likely never be known.' Like many Ancient Roman discoveries, the mosaic also displayed some graffiti left behind by the owners and visitors. Advertisement 5 Historians also came across the remains of the artist's signature. The Museum of London Archaeology Among the graffiti was a drawing of a crying woman with a distinct Flavian period hairstyle, as well as the Greek alphabet. '[O]ther examples in Italy suggest that the alphabet served a practical use, such as a checklist, tally or reference,' the museum said, noting that it's the only known example of its kind from Roman Britain. In a statement, archaeologist Han Li called the discovery a 'once in a lifetime moment.' Advertisement 'Many of the fragments were very delicate and pieces from different walls had been jumbled together when the building was demolished, so it was like assembling the world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle.' 'I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness when I started to lay the plaster out,' the expert recalled. 5 The collection of painted ancient plaster is the largest ever discovered in London. The Museum of London Archaeology 'Many of the fragments were very delicate and pieces from different walls had been jumbled together when the building was demolished, so it was like assembling the world's most difficult jigsaw puzzle.' Advertisement Li also remarked that '[not] even individuals of the late Roman period in London' would have seen the art, making the discovery particularly special. The discovery of the Roman fresco in London offers a vivid glimpse into the era when Romans ruled Britain, from 43 A.D. to 410 A.D. They maintained their presence in Britain for nearly four centuries before beginning their withdrawal in 410 A.D – and many remnants of their power and influence are being found today. Advertisement In May, British archaeologists announced the discovery of an unusual eight-sided ring in a former drainage ditch. This winter, a Roman grave filled with gypsum was found during a highway construction project in England.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch the 2025 Prefontaine Classic: Live Stream Track and Field, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 2025 Prefontaine Classic will take place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, July 5, celebrating its 50th anniversary as one of track and field's most prestigious events. US' Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the Women's 100m final during the Diamond League athletics meeting at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich on September 5, 2024. US' Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates after winning the Women's 100m final during the Diamond League athletics meeting at the Letzigrund stadium in Zurich on September 5, 2024. Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images How to Watch the 2025 Prefontaine Classic When: Saturday, July 5, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM ET Where: Hayward Field TV Channel: NBC Live Stream: Fubo (Get a free trial!) This edition promises an exciting lineup of international stars and Olympic titleholders. The women's 100-meter dash is highly anticipated, with a showdown between Paris 2024 gold medalist Julien Alfred, American sprint standout Sha'Carri Richardson, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden. On the men's side, Jamaica's Kishane Thompson—who recently ran a blazing 9.75 seconds at his national trials—will go head-to-head with American Trayvon Bromell and a field of top sprinters. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who holds the world record in the 400-meter hurdles, will compete in the flat 400 meters at the Prefontaine Classic for the first time, targeting another American record in a competitive field. In the Bowerman Mile, leading Americans Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse will challenge a strong international group, though Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen will miss the race due to injury. Showing a great appreciation for history, the women's 800-meter race will be named the Mutola 800m, in honor of Maria Mutola, the athlete with the most wins in meet history. Live stream the 2025 Prefontaine Classic on Fubo: Watch the event now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Elon Musk launches new political party to give America ‘freedom back' after explosive row with Trump & White House exit
ELON Musk has launched a new political following his explosive row with President Donald Trump. The billionaire has promised to "give back your freedom" via a post on X today. Advertisement 2 Elon Musk has reportedly launched his own political party following a furious feud with President Trump Credit: AFP 2 The billionaire has promised to give Americans back their freedom Credit: AFP It comes after Musk created an online poll on July 4 where he asked his followers if he should spearhead a fresh political party. Of those polled, over 65% answered 'yes', which paved the way for the announcement. "By a factor of 2 to 1, you want a new political party and you shall have it!" he wrote. "When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Advertisement "Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom." It comes as Musk deleted a post on X last month claiming Trump had been named in the so-called "Epstein files". He had tweeted that Trump "is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public." The former allies were locked in an escalating war of words for days - throwing insults at each other in an explosive dispute. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive When Trump was asked about a possible call with Musk to calm tensions, he told ABC News: 'You mean the man who has lost his mind?' 'Not particularly,' he added when pressed on whether he planned to speak to the billionaire. The rift appears rooted in Trump's prized One Big Beautiful Bill Ac - a domestic spending package Musk has branded as a "disgusting abomination". The president hit back - reportedly threatening to strip Musk's companies of federal subsidies. Advertisement Musk also called for Trump's impeachment in June as the pair's relationship crashed and burned. The announcement of the new political party from Musk comes after President Donald Trump signed a tax-cut and spending bill into law on Friday, which the billionaire chief executive officer of Tesla fiercely opposed. Musk spent hundreds of millions on Trump's re-election and led the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration aimed at slashing government spending, but the two have since fallen out over disagreements about the bill. Trump earlier this week threatened to cut off the billions of dollars in subsidies that Musk's companies receive from the federal government. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Musk said previously that he would start a new political party and spend money to unseat lawmakers who supported the bill. Republicans have expressed concern that Musk's on-again, off-again feud with Trump could hurt their chances to protect their majority in the 2026 midterm congressional elections.
Int'l Business Times
2 hours ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
BRICS Nations Voice 'Serious Concerns' Over Trump Tariffs
BRICS leaders meeting in Rio de Janeiro from Sunday are expected to decry US President Donald Trump's "indiscriminate" trade tariffs, saying they are illegal and risk hurting the global economy. Emerging nations, which represent about half the world's population and 40 percent of global economic output, are set to unite over "serious concerns" about US import tariffs, according to a draft summit statement obtained by AFP. Since coming to office in January, Trump has threatened allies and rivals alike with a slew of punitive duties. His latest salvo comes in the form of letters informing trading partners of new tariff rates that will soon enter into force. The draft summit declaration does not mention the United States or its president by name. But it is a clear political shot directed at Washington from 11 emerging nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. "We voice serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO (World Trade Organization) rules," the draft text says. It warns that such measures "threaten to further reduce global trade" and are "affecting the prospects for global economic development." Conceived two decades ago as a forum for fast-growing economies, the BRICS have come to be seen as a Chinese-driven counterbalance to Western power. But the two-day summit's political punch will be depleted by the absence of China's Xi Jinping, who is skipping the annual meeting for the first time in his 12 years as president. "I expect there will be speculation about the reasons for Xi's absence," said Ryan Hass, a former China director at the US National Security Council who is now with the Brookings Institution think tank. "The simplest explanation may hold the most explanatory power. Xi recently hosted Lula in Beijing," said Hass. The Chinese leader will not be the only notable absentee. War crime-indicted Russian President Vladimir Putin is also opting to stay away, but will participate via video link, according to the Kremlin. Hass said Putin's non-attendance and the fact that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a guest of honor in Brazil could also be factors in Xi's absence. "Xi does not want to appear upstaged by Modi," who will receive a state lunch, he said. "I expect Xi's decision to delegate attendance to Premier Li (Qiang) rests amidst these factors." Still, the Xi no-show is a blow to host President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who wants Brazil to play a bigger role on the world stage. In the year to November 2025, Brazil will have hosted a G20 summit, a BRICS summit, and COP30 international climate talks, all before heading into fiercely contested presidential elections next year, in which he is expected to run. Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, whose nation is still reeling from a 12-day conflict with Israel, is also skipping the meeting. A source familiar with the negotiations said the BRICS countries were divided over how to respond to the wars in Gaza and between Iran and Israel. Iranian negotiators were pushing for a tougher collective stance that goes beyond referencing the need for the creation of a Palestinian state and for disputes to be resolved peacefully. But one diplomatic source said the text would give the "same message" that BRICS delivered in June when Iran was being bombed by Israel and the United States, expressing "concern." Artificial intelligence and health will also be on the agenda at the summit. Original members of the bloc Brazil, Russia, India, and China have been joined by South Africa and, more recently, by Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is hosting the BRICS summit AFP Security is tight for the BRICS summit AFP
Japan Today
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Japan Today
Trump to push Netanyahu for Gaza truce in crunch talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the White House for the third time since US President Donald Trump returned to power By Danny Kemp with Michael Blum U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday to press the Israeli prime minister to end the war with Hamas in Gaza. Trump has vowed to be tough on Netanyahu as he hopes to use the momentum from the truce between Iran and Israel to secure a ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory, too. Trump says Israel is committed to a 60-day halt in fighting and Hamas says it has responded positively to a U.S.-backed proposal -- but sealing a final deal to end the 21-month-old war will be easier said than done. Netanyahu, who is making his third visit to the White House since Trump returned to power in January, has vowed to crush Hamas before ending the conflict. Yet Trump, determined to win the Nobel peace prize and riding a wave of recent foreign and domestic policy victories, is making a renewed push for a result. "There could be a Gaza deal next week," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on Friday. He said he was "very optimistic" about a deal but added that "it changes from day to day. It's been changing for years." In response to reports that Hamas had responded positively to proposed truce talks, Trump said "that's good," although he said he had not yet been fully briefed on this development. Trump and Netanyahu were in lockstep during the recent Iran-Israel war, which culminated in the U.S. president ordering stealth bombers to strike three crucial Iranian nuclear sites. Washington says the sites were "obliterated" and Iran's nuclear program put back years, although Iran has denied any significant setback. The West accuses Iran of seeking a nuclear bomb, which Tehran denies. But on Gaza, Trump is showing signs of increasing unease with the death and destruction still happening as Israel wages the conflict triggered by a huge Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. "We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza," Trump said on Friday. Trump seems to have parked, for now, his extraordinary proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza that he floated during Netanyahu's first visit in February. "I want the people of Gaza to be safe, more importantly," Trump said when asked about the plan earlier this week. "They've been through hell." Trump has also pushed for the release of hostages held by Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups in Gaza. He met one released hostage, Edan Alexander, at the White House on Thursday. But while the author of the book "Art of the Deal" prides himself on his negotiating skills, Trump in many ways has an equal in Netanyahu, a political survivor of his own ilk. "I think we're going to see a strategic meeting in the style of 'grand bargaining', as Trump likes them," Michael Horowitz, an independent geopolitical analyst, told AFP. "Even Mr Netanyahu is aware that we are reaching the end of what can be done in Gaza, and that it is time to plan an exit. Netanyahu surely wants it to be gradual." Trump however will be pushing for something quicker and more comprehensive. He boasted on the 2024 campaign trail that he would end both the war in Gaza and Russia's invasion shortly after taking office, but peace in both cases has eluded him so far. Two previous Gaza ceasefires mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States secured temporary halts in fighting and the return of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, only to break down. The Hamas attack of October 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory campaign has killed at least 57,338 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The United Nations considers the figures reliable. © 2025 AFP
